Lawrence Brownlee facts for kids
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Lawrence Brownlee (born in 1972) is an American opera singer. He is a tenor, which means he sings very high notes. People often praise his beautiful voice and amazing high notes. One opera director said his high F note was "a beautiful sound," not just a scream. Another singer, Joyce DiDonato, said his voice sounds like "honey" and that he is very skilled.
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Early Life and Learning
Brownlee grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. He didn't listen to much classical music as a child. But he was very musical! He played the trumpet, guitar, and drums. He also sang Gospel music in church. His first singing jobs were at an amusement park. There he sang pop songs and tunes from musicals.
Brownlee went to Anderson University for his first degree. Then he studied at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. He learned from great teachers there. While in graduate school, he joined the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He became a lifelong member in 2008.
He also joined special programs for young artists. These were at the Seattle Opera and the Wolf Trap Opera Company.
Opera Career Highlights
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Lawrence Brownlee started his professional singing career in 2002. His first big role was Almaviva in The Barber of Seville. He performed this opera with the Virginia Opera. In 2007, he made his debut at the famous Metropolitan Opera in New York. He sang the same role there.
The Barber of Seville became one of his most famous roles. He has sung it in many cities around the world. These include Vienna, Milan, Berlin, and Tokyo. He has also performed in other famous operas. These include L'italiana in Algeri and La Cenerentola. He also sang in La fille du régiment, which is known for its very challenging high notes.
In 2014, Brownlee was called one of "The Three Tenors." He was grouped with Juan Diego Flórez and Javier Camarena. People said they were bringing back a "golden age" for high male voices.
Concerts and New Roles
Besides opera, Brownlee also performs in concerts. He has sung in Handel's Messiah with major orchestras. He has also given solo concerts. In 2010, he sang at the United States Supreme Court Building. He performed for the Supreme Court justices.
He also has an album called Spiritual Sketches. It features new versions of traditional songs. He performs these songs in recitals.
Brownlee has also created new roles in modern operas. In 2005, he was in the first performance of 1984 in London. In 2015, he played the jazz musician Charlie Parker in an opera called Yardbird.
Personal Life
Lawrence Brownlee lives in Niceville, Florida. He lives there with his wife, Kendra, and their two children. He is a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. He even sang the national anthem at their stadium in 2015! He also enjoys photography, playing table tennis, and is a skilled salsa dancer.
Awards and Recognition
- 2005: Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.
- 2006: Winner of the Richard Tucker Award.
- 2007: Winner of the Marian Anderson Award.
- 2008: Winner of the Opera Company of Philadelphia's Alter Award for Artistic Excellence.
- 2008: Named Seattle Opera's Artist of the Year. This was for his performances in I puritani.
Recordings
Lawrence Brownlee has made many recordings of his performances. Here are some of his albums:
- Spiritual Sketches – This album features traditional spiritual songs.
- The Heart That Flutters – A collection of songs.
- Virtuoso Rossini Arias – This album showcases his amazing skill in singing Rossini's opera songs.
- Maazel: 1984 – A recording of the opera where he created a new role.
- Orff: Carmina Burana – A famous classical work.
- Italian Songs – Features songs by Italian composers like Schubert and Verdi.
- Rossini: Armida – An opera recording with Renée Fleming.
- Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia – A recording of one of his most famous opera roles.
- Rossini: La Cenerentola – Another opera recording.
- Rossini: L'italiana in Algeri – An opera recording.
- Rossini: Amici e Rivali – An album with fellow tenor Michael Spyres.
- Rossini: Stabat Mater – A religious work by Rossini.
- Rossini Songs – A collection of songs by Rossini.
- Colbran, The Muse – An album with mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato.
See also
In Spanish: Lawrence Brownlee para niños
